Top 5 Factors that Affect the Cost of a New Roof

Several factors govern the price of a new roof installation. These factors range from the size of the roof to the scope of work required. A professional roof replacement service provider can help you learn more about these elements and determine the cost of your potential roofing. Simultaneously, they can help you grab the best deal and optimise your roofing investment. On that note, here are the top five factors that determine the cost of a new roof. Take a look.

New Roof

1. Roofing Material

Depending on the roofing material, your new roof’s cost can vary significantly. For instance, the cost of a new metal roof can be thrice that of asphalt, the most used roofing material in the US; although metal roofs last almost three times longer than the latter and easy to maintain, besides being eco-friendly.

2. Size of Roof to be Installed

This is the biggest factor that influences the cost of a new roof installation. Roofing contractors charge as per the number of roofing squares to be installed. The more number of roofing squares your roof has, the more will be the cost of installing it Note that one roofing square is 10-by-10-foot or 100 square feet.

3. Size of Roof to be Removed

Although in some instances there’s no harm in installing a new roof over an existing one, ideally, you need to tear-off the existing roof before furnishing your property with a new one. If the materials of the old roof are heavy, the removal process can be time-consuming, and, therefore, attract more labor charges. In addition, the time it takes to dispose the material will also influence labor charges.

4. Pitch or Slope

The pitch is another important factor that can inflate or reduce the cost of your new roof. If the roof has a higher pitch, it will add to the cost of roof installation. Roofs with pitches more than 7:12 (here the number 7 represents the height and 12 its length) are difficult to install, and, therefore, roofing contractors working on it need more safety equipment.

5. Roofing Warranty and Contractor

The type of roofing warranty you chose is another important factor that influences the cost of your new roofing system. A standard roofing warranty, for instance, covers only the workmanship and labor costs of the project. The roofing warranty is, therefore, less expensive than the No-Dollar-Limit option that covers both the cost of labor and roofing materials.

Conclusion

While learning the above factors can help you choose the right roofing solution and optimize your roofing investment, it is also essential to avail insurance cover so that you file a roof damage insurance claim when calamity visits. However, filing a roof insurance claim is not as easy as it sounds, as it requires multiple follow-ups with your insurance company and adjusters. A professional roofing company can help you determine a close-to-accurate cost of your new roofing and assist you file your roofing insurance claim.

3 Questions to ask When Finalizing a Roofing Contractor

It is important to take steps to maintain and repair your roofing system and get roof insurance. The exposure of the roof to the elements makes it susceptible to wear and tear. The wear and tear gets aggravated if you fail to implement a realistic maintenance regime. You will always get better results if you find a reliable provider of end-to-end roofing services to help with maintenance and filing a roof insurance claim if any damage occurs. Without such due diligence during the selection process, there is no telling the quality of roofer you will land. Getting answers to the following questions can help ensure that you opt for a legit and capable roofer that you can count on for such an important job.

1.Does the Contractor have Insurance?

Homeowners, realty investors and property managers should ensure that the contractor of their choice has appropriate cover in place such as workmen’s compensation. If the opposite is true, chances are you may have to foot the roofer’s medical expenses if their employees sustain injuries due to accidents sustained while maintaining your roof. Further, a contractor should also have liability insurance to protect you against financial losses due to damage caused by the roofer.

2.Are There any Subcontractors?

It is not uncommon for roofers to use sub-contractors to outsource some of their work load. The arrangement works fine for all the three parties involved: the property owner, the contractor, and the sub-contractor. Ask as many questions as possible to gauge the expertise and professionalism of any subcontractors and also make an effort to allay any fears and doubts they may harbor. Establish if they are insured and the actual extent of the cover. Many cities/states require roofing contractors to hold a valid license. Ensure that the roofer has a valid license, and conforms to criteria set by the regulating body.

3.Any Warranties on Offer?

Most roofers usually offer a one year warranty on the projects that they execute, however, some may extend this period. In most cases manufacturers cover the roofing materials while the roofer covers the work done. It is imperative for homeowners to know the extent of these warranties to make sure they receive reasonable warranties.

Conclusion

The cost of replacing a roof can run into thousands of dollars, which is why maintenance should be one of your priorities as a homeowner, property investor, or manager. Homeowners stand to benefit immensely from seeking the services of professional roofers with a reputation for getting the job done on time and within set budgets. The contractor you choose must conform with industry standards and be well-versed with roofing issues. Doing so will help you avoid high maintenance, repair, and replacement costs. Your roofer must also be in a position to help you get the right roof insurance and file a roof damage insurance claim if the need arises.